Translating infection prevention evidence into practice using quantitative and qualitative research

Infection control professionals and hospital epidemiologists, using the valid methods of applied epidemiology–surveillance, benchmarking, intervention, evaluation–have largely been responsible for dramatically reducing the incidence of health care-associated infections over the past several decades. However, we believe that the field of infection control can–and should–also be a leader in understanding how research findings can be efficiently and effectively translated into clinical practice. Unfortunately, there is no current reliable information about which preventive practices are being used in US hospitals to prevent common device-related infections. If we are to understand how best to translate research into practice, the reasons hospitals are using some preventive practices–or are not–must be explored more fully. This article provides a framework for one proposed research endeavor to promote the successful translation of proven infection prevention practices and a subsequent decrease in health care-associated infections. In addition, we hope that this article will stimulate increased interest and research in identifying strategies that will successfully move evidence from the peer-reviewed literature to the patient's bedside.